Saga Dawa

The 4th lunar month is the most important month in the Vajrayana Buddhist calendar.  Known as Saga Dawa, this month commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. Although there are separate days in this month to commemorate Buddha’s birth (Tampei Duchen) and enlightenment and parinirvana ( Sangye and Nyangde Duchen), all three events are commemorated together on full moon of this special month.

India and South East Asian Buddhist traditions, celebrate these occasions on a different day known as Vesak or Buddha Purnima (full moon in May).

Saga Dawa is known as the month of merits and it is believed that during this time, the merits of your actions are greatly multiplied. Thus Vajrayana Buddhists make extra effort to increase their practice of generosity, virtue, and compassion to accumulate greater merit in this period. The 15th day or full moon is the most auspicious day of Saga Dawa month.